Pierce College Narrows Search for President to 5

At least five finalists are in the running for the presidency of beleaguered Pierce College, and a replacement could be named this week, Los Angeles Community College District officials said Monday.

Darroch “Rocky” Young, vice president of planning and development at Santa Monica College, has emerged as the strongest candidate, according to several sources.

“I’ve heard people talk highly of him,” a district source said. “Santa Monica College has a good reputation.”

The Santa Monica College Board of Trustees passed Young over for the presidency in 1995, a decision that sparked protests by many faculty members.

Also reportedly favored as a candidate is Ron Kopita, a Cal State Northridge vice president who recently announced his resignation. His chances are said to be hindered, however, by the fact that he has never worked at a community college.

Others finalists include Francisco Quiambao, vice president of student services at Harbor College; Thomas W. Oliver, vice president of academic affairs at Mission College; and Pierce College Vice President of Academic Affairs Carmelita Thomas.

Pierce’s most recent president, E. Bing Inocencio, left earlier this month to head the Los Angeles branch of American InterContinental University. Trustees announced in November that his contract would not be renewed as the college coped with financial difficulties and clashes with Woodland Hills neighbors over a proposal to turn the school’s farm into a golf course.